This week it’s Valentines, Love, Friendship and Shapes. Yep, shapes! Backtrack to yesterday for the FREE printable book and art activity. Today it’s all about math.
Our geoboard math investigation was sparked by a request from Miss Enigma, “Mommy, I want to play with the geoboards.” While Miss Enigma enjoyed her free exploration time, she concentrated to manipulate the rubber bands, developing her fine motor skills. MacGyver was eager to join-in on the geoboard exploration time.
Geoboard Math Investigation
Step 1 – Math Investigaiton Question: What shapes can I make on the geoboard?
After MacGyver had a few minutes of free time with his geoboard, I challenged him by asking, “What shapes can you make on the geoboard?” This simple question led to his math investigation question.
MacGyver struggles a bit with his spelling; however, he knows how to use resources. When we do a specific study or write about a specific topic, we’ll create a vocabulary sheet for that topic. About a year ago, MacGyver wrote a little book about shapes. We started this shape vocabulary sheet at that time. He used that same shape vocabulary sheet to assist him with this math investigation.
Step 2 – Make a Prediction or Estimate: triangle, oval, square, circle, rectangle
MacGyver is very mechanical and spatial. Consequently, I was actually shocked when he included an oval and circle in his prediction. However, I did not question his prediction at this stage in the process. Once he began his investigation, his thinking became more clear to me.
Step 3 – Investigate Question and Record Data: One by one MacGyver attempts to make his shape predictions on his geoboard.
When MacGyver started his oval attempt he asked, “Can I use more than one rubber band.” My answer, “Sure.” He really worked at trying to make a curve but realized the pegs were too far apart, making it impossible to make a real curve.
MacGyver first drew his shapes on geoboard paper.
Next, I showed him how to make a simple chart for recording his data.
Step 4 – Record Conclusion: Today I learned you can not make shapes that are round.
I treasure the years I experienced teaching 6, 7 and 8 year-olds in a mixed-age public school classroom. As I homeschool my own children, I am joyfully reminded daily how children of different ages and levels can play, grow and learn side-by-side.
In Celebration of Valentine’s Day, we’re GIVING AWAY A Weekend with Wendell by Kevin Henkes and Chrysanthemum . . . and more mouse mayhem Storybook Treasures DVD by Scholastic. Head over to yesterday’s post to enter.
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I was just reading about geoboards on the Pioneer Woman Homeschool section. I need to see if I can find some or talk dh into making some! This is a great way to learn that I had forgotten about.
Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your geoboards post, as it makes it much more interesting to use the sheets for them to do their work…excellent idea!
I also love the “It Looked Like A Heart” book printables your created and your post too. Am going to do this activity with my sons withing the next few days.
Great giveaway, too…we love Kevin Henkes’ books and the DVD too…would enter, but we already have the book and the DVD…just love what you do here on Waddlee-ah-chaa! So inspiring!
Colleen:)
I love the predictions idea – I really want to try it out with my daughter! And we also printed out the book you offered – I can’t wait to try it out.
I feel behind! I didn’t even know about geoboards! They sound great!
I printed 4 of It Looked Like a Heart tonight so my 4 biggest could do it. I figured they woul do a couple and be done for the night, but the 3 oldest (9, 7, & 5) did them all! My 3 (almost 4) year old did a couple pages. Thanks for offering this…they had a blast!
Thank you for sharing Tara! It’s just exhilarating to hear about children exploring and learning!!! 9, 7, 5 & 4 all doing the same activity! Love it! I realize I used too many exclamation marks but learning really is a thrill for me.